The opening stages were promising for Shelley, and after having a long-range free-kick tipped wide by Borough keeper Henry Turner, Dan Keane drilled the home side ahead after 15 minutes.

Matty Waller was missing for Shelley

But after Anthony Hall signalled Bacup's attacking intent by hitting a post, Bobby Carter flicked home a 21st-minute equaliser.

It was the first of four goals in 21 minutes by the visitors, who went ahead when Michael Gervin found himself one-on-one with keeper Paul Day and made no mistake.

Gary Driscoll was denied by Turner as the home side responded, but Hall put away a penalty following a foul by Day, then produced a neat finish for his second.

Shelley were more solid in the second half, but seldom looked like pulling a goal back, with Bacup content to consolidate their lead and collect a third win on the bounce.

Borough are now sixth, a point ahead of Shelley, who are in turn three places and five points above Steeton, who lost 1-0 at home to Nelson.

Like Shelley, the Keighley side have taken just one point from nine ahead of a Yorkshire derby in the mainly Lancashire-based competition.

Both sides are new to the North West Counties, Shelley having moved up from the West Yorkshire League and Steeton from the West Riding County Amateur, the reigning champions of which are Huddersfield side Golcar United.

Back in August, Billington scored twice as Shelley fought out a 3-3 draw at Cougar Park, the ground Steeton share with Keighley Cougars Rugby League Club.

The home squad that day included frontman Driscoll, who has since switched to Shelley after a stint at Selby Town of the Northern Counties East League.